Easter is a time for family, celebration, and of course, a delicious feast. While the Easter ham often takes center stage, the side dishes are equally important in creating a memorable meal. And what’s more versatile and comforting than the humble potato? From creamy gratins to crispy roasted delights, potatoes can be prepared in countless ways to complement your Easter ham. This article provides a collection of irresistible potato recipes that will elevate your Easter ham dinner and impress your guests. We’ll guide you through each recipe with detailed instructions, ensuring a stress-free and delectable Easter celebration.
**Why Potatoes are the Perfect Easter Ham Side Dish**
Before diving into the recipes, let’s explore why potatoes are an ideal accompaniment to Easter ham:
* **Versatility:** Potatoes can be cooked in numerous ways – mashed, roasted, scalloped, fried, and more. This allows you to choose a preparation that suits your taste and complements the ham’s flavor profile.
* **Texture Contrast:** Potatoes offer a delightful textural contrast to the ham’s savory tenderness. Whether you opt for creamy mashed potatoes or crispy roasted potatoes, they add another dimension to the meal.
* **Flavor Absorption:** Potatoes are excellent at absorbing flavors. You can infuse them with herbs, spices, cheese, and other ingredients to create a side dish that perfectly complements the ham’s taste.
* **Heartiness:** Potatoes are a satisfying and filling side dish, ensuring that your guests leave the table feeling content and happy.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Potatoes are an affordable ingredient, making them a great choice for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank.
**Essential Tips for Perfect Potato Dishes**
Before we get started with the recipes, here are a few essential tips to ensure your potato dishes are a success:
* **Choose the Right Potato:** Different potato varieties are better suited for different cooking methods. For mashed potatoes, use Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes. For roasting, use Russet, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes. For scalloped potatoes, use Yukon Gold or red potatoes.
* **Proper Potato Preparation:** Wash and scrub your potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Peel them if desired, or leave the skins on for added nutrients and texture. Cut the potatoes into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooked potatoes can become mushy and unappetizing. Cook them until they are tender but still hold their shape.
* **Season Generously:** Potatoes need plenty of seasoning to bring out their flavor. Don’t be afraid to use salt, pepper, herbs, and spices liberally.
* **Taste and Adjust:** Always taste your potato dishes before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed.
**Potato Recipes to Complement Your Easter Ham**
Now, let’s explore some delicious potato recipes that will perfectly complement your Easter ham dinner:
**1. Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes**
Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with ham. This recipe takes them to the next level with the addition of garlic and cream, creating a rich and flavorful side dish.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 4 tablespoons butter
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: chopped chives or parsley for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt.
2. Bring the water to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
3. While the potatoes are cooking, heat the heavy cream and garlic in a saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 5 minutes to infuse the cream with garlic flavor.
4. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
5. Add the butter and mash the potatoes until smooth.
6. Gradually add the garlic-infused cream, stirring until the mashed potatoes are creamy and fluffy.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with chopped chives or parsley, if desired.
9. Serve hot.
**Tips for Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes:**
* Use Yukon Gold potatoes for the creamiest texture.
* Warm the heavy cream before adding it to the potatoes to prevent them from becoming gluey.
* Don’t over-mash the potatoes, as this can make them tough.
* For extra flavor, add a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to the mashed potatoes.
**2. Roasted Rosemary Potatoes**
Roasted potatoes are a simple yet flavorful side dish that is perfect for any occasion. This recipe features rosemary, which adds a fragrant and earthy flavor to the potatoes.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 pounds Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil, rosemary, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through.
5. Serve hot.
**Tips for Roasted Rosemary Potatoes:**
* Use Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes for the best results.
* Cut the potatoes into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
* Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet, as this will prevent the potatoes from browning properly.
* For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the potatoes.
**3. Scalloped Potatoes with Gruyere Cheese**
Scalloped potatoes are a classic comfort food that is perfect for a special occasion. This recipe features Gruyere cheese, which adds a nutty and slightly sweet flavor to the dish.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced
* 1 onion, thinly sliced
* 2 cups heavy cream
* 1 cup grated Gruyere cheese
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, onion, heavy cream, Gruyere cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish.
5. Dot the top with butter pieces.
6. Bake for 60-75 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
7. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
**Tips for Scalloped Potatoes with Gruyere Cheese:**
* Use a mandoline to thinly slice the potatoes for even cooking.
* Don’t overcrowd the baking dish, as this will prevent the potatoes from cooking properly.
* For a richer flavor, use a combination of Gruyere and Parmesan cheese.
* If the top of the potatoes starts to brown too quickly, cover the dish with aluminum foil.
**4. Cheesy Potato Casserole**
This cheesy potato casserole is a crowd-pleasing side dish that is perfect for Easter. It’s easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time.
**Ingredients:**
* 6 cups cubed cooked potatoes (about 3 pounds)
* 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
* 1 cup sour cream
* 1/2 cup melted butter
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
* 1/2 cup chopped green onions
* 2 cups crushed cornflakes
* 1/4 cup melted butter
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked potatoes, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, 1/2 cup melted butter, salt, pepper, 1 cup cheddar cheese, and green onions. Mix well.
3. Pour the potato mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes and 1/4 cup melted butter. Sprinkle over the potato mixture.
5. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and bubbly.
6. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
7. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
**Tips for Cheesy Potato Casserole:**
* Use leftover cooked potatoes to save time.
* You can substitute cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup.
* For a spicier casserole, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the potato mixture.
* The casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
**5. Duchess Potatoes**
Duchess potatoes are a fancy and elegant side dish that is perfect for a special occasion like Easter. These piped potatoes are baked until golden brown and crispy.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
* 1/2 cup butter, softened
* 1/4 cup milk
* 2 egg yolks
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
* Pinch of nutmeg
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt.
3. Bring the water to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
4. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
5. Mash the potatoes until smooth.
6. Add the butter, milk, egg yolks, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix well.
7. Transfer the potato mixture to a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
8. Pipe the potato mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in decorative swirls.
9. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown.
10. Serve immediately.
**Tips for Duchess Potatoes:**
* Use Russet potatoes for the best results.
* Make sure the potatoes are completely dry before mashing them.
* Don’t overmix the potato mixture, as this can make them tough.
* If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a ziplock bag with a corner cut off.
**6. Potato Salad (Several Variations)**
No Easter feast is complete without a potato salad. Here are a few variations to consider:
* **Classic Potato Salad:** This version typically includes boiled potatoes, mayonnaise, mustard, celery, onion, and pickles.
* **German Potato Salad:** This variation uses vinegar and bacon grease instead of mayonnaise, resulting in a tangy and savory flavor.
* **Southern Potato Salad:** This version often includes sweet relish and hard-boiled eggs for a sweeter and richer flavor.
**Recipe for Classic Potato Salad:**
**Ingredients:**
* 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
* 1 cup mayonnaise
* 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
* 1/2 cup chopped celery
* 1/4 cup chopped red onion
* 1/4 cup chopped dill pickles
* 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt.
2. Bring the water to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
3. Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly.
4. In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, mustard, celery, red onion, dill pickles, and hard-boiled eggs.
5. Add the potatoes to the bowl and mix gently to combine.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
**Tips for Potato Salad:**
* Don’t overcook the potatoes, as they will become mushy.
* Let the potatoes cool slightly before adding them to the dressing to prevent the mayonnaise from melting.
* Adjust the amount of mayonnaise and mustard to your liking.
* For a creamier potato salad, add a dollop of sour cream.
**7. Potato Gratin Dauphinois**
A classic French dish, Potato Gratin Dauphinois is elegant and simple. Thinly sliced potatoes are baked in cream until tender and golden.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 pounds Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (using a mandoline is recommended)
* 2 cups heavy cream
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
* Pinch of nutmeg
* 2 tablespoons butter, for greasing
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter.
3. In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, heavy cream, garlic, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Toss gently to coat.
4. Arrange the potato slices in the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping each other.
5. Pour any remaining cream from the bowl over the potatoes.
6. Bake for 60-75 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
7. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
**Tips for Potato Gratin Dauphinois:**
* Use a mandoline for even, thin slices, ensuring proper cooking.
* Do not rinse the potatoes after slicing, as the starch helps to thicken the cream.
* Press down on the potatoes halfway through baking to ensure they are submerged in the cream.
* For a richer flavor, add 1/2 cup of grated Gruyere or Parmesan cheese during the last 15 minutes of baking.
**8. Smashed Potatoes with Garlic and Herbs**
These smashed potatoes are a rustic and flavorful alternative to mashed potatoes. They’re crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 pounds small red or Yukon Gold potatoes
* 4 tablespoons olive oil
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley)
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt.
3. Bring the water to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
4. Drain the potatoes and spread them on a baking sheet.
5. Using a potato masher or the bottom of a glass, gently smash each potato.
6. Drizzle the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are crispy and golden brown.
8. Serve immediately.
**Tips for Smashed Potatoes:**
* Use small potatoes that are uniform in size.
* Don’t smash the potatoes too much, as you want them to still hold their shape.
* For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before baking.
**9. Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Topping**
For a sweeter side dish, consider a sweet potato casserole. The pecan streusel topping adds a delightful crunch and sweetness.
**Ingredients:**
* 3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
* 1/2 cup butter, softened
* 1/2 cup brown sugar
* 1/4 cup milk
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* Pecan Streusel Topping:
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/4 cup brown sugar
* 1/4 cup chopped pecans
* 1/4 cup butter, cold and cubed
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place the sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt.
3. Bring the water to a boil and cook until the sweet potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
4. Drain the sweet potatoes and return them to the pot.
5. Add the butter, brown sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Mash until smooth.
6. Pour the sweet potato mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
7. Prepare the pecan streusel topping: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and pecans. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
8. Sprinkle the streusel topping over the sweet potato mixture.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.
10. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
**Tips for Sweet Potato Casserole:**
* You can use canned sweet potatoes in place of fresh sweet potatoes.
* For a richer flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sweet potato mixture.
* The casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
**10. Hasselback Potatoes**
Hasselback potatoes are visually stunning and incredibly delicious. They’re thinly sliced but not all the way through, then roasted until crispy and tender.
**Ingredients:**
* 4 medium Russet potatoes
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: shredded Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh parsley for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wash and scrub the potatoes. Do not peel.
3. Place each potato between two chopsticks or wooden spoons. This will prevent you from cutting all the way through the potato.
4. Using a sharp knife, make thin slices across the potato, about 1/8 inch apart.
5. Drizzle the potatoes with olive oil and rub it into the slices.
6. Sprinkle with garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
7. Place the potatoes on a baking sheet.
8. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the slices are crispy, basting with more olive oil halfway through if desired.
9. Garnish with shredded Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
10. Serve immediately.
**Tips for Hasselback Potatoes:**
* The chopstick trick is crucial for preventing you from cutting all the way through.
* Make sure the potatoes are dry before slicing.
* Basting with olive oil helps them get extra crispy.
* Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor.
**Choosing the Right Potato Recipe for Your Easter Ham**
With so many delicious potato recipes to choose from, how do you decide which one is right for your Easter ham dinner? Here are a few factors to consider:
* **Your Personal Preference:** Ultimately, the best potato recipe is the one that you and your family enjoy the most.
* **The Flavor Profile of Your Ham:** Consider the flavors of your ham glaze or rub. If you’re using a sweet glaze, a savory potato dish like roasted rosemary potatoes or potato gratin dauphinois would be a good complement. If you’re using a savory rub, a sweeter potato dish like sweet potato casserole would be a nice contrast.
* **The Level of Effort:** Some potato recipes are quick and easy to make, while others require more time and effort. Choose a recipe that fits your schedule and skill level.
* **Your Guests’ Dietary Needs:** If you have guests with dietary restrictions, be sure to choose a potato recipe that accommodates their needs. For example, if you have guests who are gluten-free, avoid recipes that contain flour.
**Making Your Potato Dish Ahead of Time**
To make your Easter dinner even more stress-free, consider making your potato dish ahead of time. Many potato recipes, such as cheesy potato casserole, scalloped potatoes, and sweet potato casserole, can be assembled a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Mashed potatoes can also be made ahead of time and reheated. However, roasted potatoes are best served immediately after cooking.
**Conclusion**
Potatoes are a versatile and delicious side dish that can elevate your Easter ham dinner to the next level. With so many different ways to prepare them, you’re sure to find a potato recipe that perfectly complements your ham and pleases your guests. From creamy mashed potatoes to crispy roasted delights, these potato recipes are sure to be a hit at your Easter celebration. So, get in the kitchen and start cooking! Happy Easter!